Experts say the number of tornadoes in Australia is likely higher than official reports indicate because many events go unnoticed and unreported. Reporting depends largely on whether people are present to observe tornadoes, and on whether sightings are communicated to authorities or weather services. According to the articles, if no one is around to see a tornado, it is unlikely to enter public records.
Both sources describe a mismatch between observable impacts and recorded occurrences, suggesting that tornadoes may be occurring without being detected by direct witnesses. The coverage highlights the role of public awareness and observation in identifying tornadoes, as well as the limitations of relying on reports from individuals.
While the articles focus on under-reporting, they do not give new official nationwide totals in the provided text. Instead, they emphasize expert concern that existing figures may reflect reporting visibility rather than true frequency. The overall message is that tornado activity may be more common than commonly believed, particularly in areas where few residents are present.